Mindset / News / Training Tips / Highlights / History / Lifestyle / Techniques / New to Jiu Jitsu / Jiu Jitsu Style Magazine

With only two days to go until one of Abu Dhabi’s most exciting live sports events, the best Jiu-Jitsu fighters from around the world have arrived in the UAE capital ahead of the showpiece Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2014 & World Jiu-Jitsu Children’s Cup, 15th - 19th April 2014.



Held under the Patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, this year’s competition promises to be the best yet as the strongest line-up of Jiu-Jitsu fighters ever assembled prepare to battle for the prestigious title of ‘World Champion’ and an increased cash prize of AED 1.61 million (over £250,000).

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, together with its Official Partner, the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), will host the world-class international event in Abu Dhabi - the capital of Jiu-Jitsu, at the First Gulf Bank Arena (FGB Arena), a ‘first of its kind’ facility located in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi.

In its sixth edition under the theme ‘One World One Fight’, the tournament will see over 2,500 of the best male, female and children fighters from over 50 countries competing in an expanded championship programme which runs over five thrilling days this year.

H.E. Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union and Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation said, “Today is another proud and momentous occasion for the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation as we warmly welcome the greatest fighters in the world to Abu Dhabi, each here to stake a claim to what has undoubtedly become one of the most important titles in the sport. Over the past five years this showpiece event has firmly established the UAE capital at the centre of Jiu-Jitsu globally.”



His Excellency added, “In this our sixth year we have a stunning new home ready to showcase the very best of Abu Dhabi to the world and offer an outstanding spectacle to all. The stage is set for five memorable days and I would like to thank our generous sponsors who have honored the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation with their support. I would also like to encourage all fans and families to passionately support our UAE fighting heroes as they go into battle. It’s not to be missed.”

“IPIC is immensely proud to be the Official Partner of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Official Sponsor of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship,” said His Excellency, Khadem Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Managing Director of IPIC. “Jiu-Jitsu is a fantastic sport. Importantly, it unites our community across all ages and gender, fitting perfectly with our objective to support domestic and international sporting initiatives that bring benefit to our society.”

Mohammed Najeeb, Director of Abu Dhabi Sports Channels at Abu Dhabi Media, said, “The annual championship has gained an impressive fan base and is among the fastest growing and played sports in the UAE. Abu Dhabi Sports Channels are keen to support the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and are proud to broadcast the championship to all our audiences in the UAE, the region and the world.”



Najeeb added, “Our support of The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship reaffirms our belief in the importance of sport in building a healthy society and a generation of athletes capable of competing on the international stage.”

Mr. Talal Al Hashemi, Director of Technical Affairs Sports, Football Technical support Section, Abu Dhabi Sports Council said, “The Abu Dhabi Sports Council believes that the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is one of the biggest events in Abu Dhabi. It reflects the ongoing success of Abu Dhabi in the international sporting arena. The tournament is an extension of ADSC’s vision and helps promote and disseminate the sporting culture in the UAE. We take pride in the participation of international caliber athletes and offer our continued support to make this a successful event.”

Excitement has been building with thousands of fans from home and abroad expected to attend the free family event and enjoy the extraordinary display of talent, skill and physical excellence offered by the ultimate fight experience.



More competitors, more categories, the largest ever prize fund, a host of off-mat activities to entertain all, including the guest appearance of UFC superstar Urijah Faber, and a star-studded line-up going all out to claim one of the most important titles in the sport, the stage is set for five memorable days.

Championship highlights for fans include the return of Marcus Almeida, the reigning Black Belt Open heavyweight world champion and female star Gabrielle Garcia, the reigning weight black belt champion who both return to defend their title. While UAE hopes will lie with local heroes and UAE Jiu-Jitsu champions, Faisal Fahad Al Ketbi (Brown belt) and Shamsa Hassan (Female Blue belt), will be competing along with Yahya Al Hammadi (Purple belt), Hasan Al Rumaithi (Purple belt) Ali Salem Al Darai (Purple belt) and Emaan Mohammed (Female Blue belt).

Adding to the tournament excitement, Urijah Faber, a mixed marital arts legend known globally as the ‘California kid’ and loved for his devastating use of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in UFC, will be present throughout the championship, meeting fans and conducting training demos.

The event will also feature a host of incredible contests and a range of new activities to entertain all, whether attendees are dedicated fans or are completely new to the sport. The first two days, April 15th and 16th will focus on the Children’s Cup and the remaining days will be for the adult’s championship with entertainment for every age taking place throughout the five-day event at the IPIC Fan Zone located at the FGB Arena. One of the UAE’s greatest week of live sport and free fun will include: an expanded fan experience, an enhanced spectator programme that includes an opening ceremony on the 17th of April at 3.30 PM, sponsor activities, family events, interactive stands, and a raffle draw where all visitors will have the chance to win two cars from Al Tayer Motors, including a Jaguar XF or a Land Rover LR2. Spectators will also have a chance to win a dream vacation courtesy of Etihad Holidays. The holiday package includes two return economy class tickets from Abu Dhabi to The Maldives and three nights’ accommodation at the Holiday Island Resort Maldives.



A new addition this year are the online competitions for best photo and best video using the official Championship hashtag #WPJJC with cash prizes of AED 30,000. The best Instagram video of the tournament that garners the most likes will be awarded AED 10,000. On Twitter there will be two lucky winners of AED 10,000 each for the best picture in the FGB arena with the most retweets.

The championship schedule sees the World Jiu-Jitsu Children’s Cup 2014 take place across two days on Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th April and the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2014 from the 17th – 19th April. Both events will take place at the FGB Arena, Zayed Sports City and are completely free to attend for all fans throughout the championship.

The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2014 is proudly supported by:

Official Partner: International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC)

Official Sponsor: Abu Dhabi Sports Channels and Super.ae

Diamond Sponsors: Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Premier Motors and Land Rover

Gold Sponsors: Abu Dhabi Education Council, Al Ain Water, Dolphin Energy Limited, Etihad Airways, Tawazun

Silver Sponsors: Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, National Bank of Abu Dhabi

Bronze Sponsors: Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, Abu Dhabi Ports Company, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Masdar

For more information please visit – www.uaejj.com



Subscribe to JJS HERE from just £24.



Issue 19 available now! See what's inside HERE .
September 25, 2014 — Jiu Jitsu Style